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[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]In the aftermath of the All-Star Game and trading deadline, battling through injuries and suspensions, wins and losses, it’s Tuesday again, so we’re going to keep you in the know with an updated Dime NBA Hit List…
30. New York Knicks – The Knicks have won one game in their last 15, a two-point home win over Toronto. The one before that? A three-point home win over Orlando. Their one thing in common? Eddy Curry was the leading scorer, even in going up against two of the East’s premiere PFs in Chris Bosh and Dwight Howard. Ranking fourth in the League in terms of field-goal percentage and playing only 27 minutes a night just doesn’t add up.
29. Portland Trail Blazers – In Darius Miles’ first game back from injury two weeks ago the Blazers pulled off a victory in Charlotte but have been winless ever since. After dumping Ruben Patterson to the Nuggets and the apparent buyout of Voshon Lenard soon to come, we’d like to welcome Martell Webster to the big stage. In his first game starting, Webster dropped 24 points and grabbed eight boards. Look for more to come.
28. Orlando Magic – What happened in Orlando? After winning their 19th game on February 4th, the Magic have won just one in their last ten. The Franchise is gone, Grant Hill is back and Darko is even logging tick. Things are looking good for the future, but for the time being, the road ahead is tough.
27. Charlotte Bobcats – Although it took longer than expected, Raymond Felton has become the floor general and leader of this young Bobcat team (especially in the absence of Emeka Okafor). But rather than supplanting cagey veteran Brevin Knight, the two PGs make for a lethal backcourt combo – averaging a combined 22 points, 13 dimes, five boards and four steals per game.
26. Atlanta Hawks – Well, Al Harrington didn’t get shipped at the trading deadline which seems to have inspired the free agent to be to put on a showcase for all his potential suitors as the Hawks finish out the season. The Hawks pulled off impressive road victories over the Lakers and Pacers as they look to make a push back to relevance.
25. Seattle Supersonics - After a six-game road trip that saw Seattle only pull off a five-point victory in Atlanta, the Sonics must be ecstatic to come home for a five-game stand. While home they’ll be able to work recently acquired PG Earl Watson into the system and watch newcomer Chris Wilcox continue to flourish in his starting role. Look for good things to follow.
24. Minnesota Timberwolves – Well now we at least know Celtics GM Danny Ainge was on to something, and we’re sure his former teammate and Wolves GM Kevin McHale has let him hear it every day. Turns out, Marcus Banks can play. Oh yeah, and fellow starters Ricky Davis and Mark Blount can play too. Look for the Wolves to only get better.
23. Golden State Warriors – Congratulations, Golden State. You’re the only team to lose to the Rockets without T-Mac all year. LOL
22. Toronto Raptors – We’re not gonna lie – Toronto might know what they’re doing. With a solid core of Chris Bosh, Charlie Villanueva, Mike James and Mo Pete, throw in vet Antonio Davis and the Raptors have a decent starting five. We like the move to dump Jalen Rose’s salary in return for cap space this summer and the imminent arrival of Phoenix mastermind Bryan Colangelo can only help.
21. Chicago Bulls – We’re disappointed that the Bulls couldn’t get anything for Tim Thomas on the open market and will probably just buy out his contract, getting nothing back in return. Nonetheless, the Baby Bulls seem to be maturing and spreading the wealth with Kirk Hinrich, Ben Gordon and Chris Duhon trading places as the team’s high man each night.
20. Boston Celtics – The Celtics are back on track. Winners of three out of their last four, Paul Pierce is finally getting the support that he needs from his teammates. Rookie Ryan Gomes has been playing out of his skull posting three straight double-doubles and scoring in double figures six games in a row.
19. Milwaukee Bucks – After four straight losses, the Bucks have strung together back-to-back victories at Atlanta and Denver. The whole team is finally at full strength, most notably Mo Williams and Bobby Simmons, and the Bucks are looking to finish what they started.
18. Utah Jazz – If the Jazz are going to sneak into the playoffs, they finally have the cavalry to do so. In case you missed the bulletin, Carlos Boozer is finally back and producing. In 29 minutes off the bench Monday night, Boozer scored 11 points and grabbed 19 boards to go along with Matt Harpring’s 28 and 11 and Mehmet Okur’s 26 and 14. Also, rookie Deron Williams has finally been handed the keys and showed Coach Jerry Sloan he knows how to handle the stick, scoring 13 points and dropping 13 dimes.
17. Sacramento Kings – The Kings are 7-3 in their last 10 and it’s funny that we haven’t heard a peep out of Ron Artest since he suited up in Purple and Gold. Wanna know why? Kevin Martin, a.k.a. the NBA’s Most Improved Player frontrunner, just went for his thirteenth 20-plus point game on the season.
16. Los Angeles Lakers – Kobe’s point totals seem to accrue exponentially. 27, 36, 39 and then 40 in the Lakers’ last four. If only it was the same for their wins…
15. Houston Rockets – Although the Rockets dropped one to red-hot Phoenix last night, Houston is still 7-3 in their last 10 and playing their best basketball of the season (even managing to win their first game without T-Mac in the lineup). If T-Mac can remain healthy and Yao continues on the double-double tear he’s on, the Rockets could be a dangerous team to face in the next couple weeks.
14. Philadelphia 76ers – They gave them a fight, but the Mavs were just too much for the Sixers on Monday night, especially without Samuel Dalembert. Winners of three straight before that, Philly has finally been able to get consistent contribution out of Kyle Korver – something they’ll need with Houston, Washington and Indiana on tap.
13. Memphis Grizzlies – Can we get some consistency please? The Grizzlies have split their last 10, but pulled off a big home win on Monday night over the surging Wizards behind an inspired 39 and 10 from Pau Gasol to outdo Gilbert Arenas’ 37 and Antawn Jamison’s 35. Assuming they get by New York on Wednesday, it’s off to the road for four.
12. Los Angeles Clippers – Well, we were right. The Clippers parted ways with Chris Wilcox and Vladimir Radmanovic has been just what the Clips have needed. Although he’s not filling the void left by the injured Corey Maggette, he is starting in place of the injured Chris Kaman. Also, have you seen Elton Brand’s stat lines from the past three games: 32 and 12, 32 and 11, followed by Monday night’s 35 and 10. MVP anyone?
11. Indiana Pacers – In J.O. and J.T.’s absence, Stephen Jackson is finally getting some help from his other teammates. Anthony Johnson, Danny Granger, Freddy Jones and Peja Stojakovic have all stepped up and been the reason why the Pacers have won seven out of their last 10.
10. Cleveland Cavaliers – The Cavs have dropped four in a row, including two straight to Detroit. In both games, the Cavs were held to under 78 points, which is 20 points below their season average. With the Pistons in their division, it seems almost inevitable that the Cavs and Pistons will meet once again in the second round of the playoffs. Tough luck LeBron, there’s always next year…
9. Washington Wizards – Since the All-Star Game, Gilbert Arenas has scored 34, 26, 46 and 37 points respectively and won Eastern Conference Player of the Week honors. Can he keep it up?
8. New Jersey Nets – You know it’s trouble when Jason Kidd goes for 19 points, 17 assists and nine rebounds with only two turnovers in an overtime loss… to Atlanta. In our book, that is just plain unacceptable.
7. New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets – Winners of seven out of their last ten and two straight, the more we watch the Hornets the more we believe. They’ve moved themselves up to the sixth seed in the West and are getting it done at home and on the road. Can they give Byron Scott his Coach of the Year trophy now?
6. Denver Nuggets – After the All-Star break, the Nuggets came out hot (like they did last season) and won their first two. Although we thought the Nuggets perhaps wouldn’t make a deal, they did, and it looks like Ruben Patterson and Reggie Evans will be able to help off the bench. Also, keep your eyes out for another shooting guard (Wesley Person anyone?) to end up in Denver before week’s end.
5. Miami Heat – After a disappointing blowout loss in Dallas, the Heat (i.e. Dwyane Wade) responded with 37, eight and four in a home win over the Pistons. Since then, Miami has accrued a six-game win streak, winners of 11 out of their last 13. Although they’re not quite there yet, the Pistons must feel the heat on the back of their necks in the East…
4. Phoenix Suns – In case you haven’t noticed, Shawn Marion is killing people! In his last three games, the Matrix put up 44 and 15 in a win over Boston followed by 31 and 24 in a win over Charlotte followed by 30 and 18 in Monday’s win over the Rockets. Could Marion win the MVP? We think so. Oh yeah, and the Suns have won a League-high seven straight and ten out of their last eleven.
3. San Antonio Spurs – With the Top five teams so even, you could make a case for any at the No. 1 spot. But compared to the Suns, Heat, Pistons and Mavs, the Spurs are just a half-step behind (at the moment), recently dropping games in Philly and Cleveland. Still, since then, the Spurs have won four straight and are looking to put those losses in the past.
2. Detroit Pistons – After their impressive showing in the All-Star Game, the Pistons aren’t taking anything for granted anymore. Winners of six straight and eight out of their last 10, Detroit’s impressive defense held LeBron and the Cavs to 20 points under their season average in back-to-back wins. The way their schedule looks, we wouldn’t be surprised if they stretched their win streak to 10.
1. Dallas Mavericks – In case you hadn’t already realized, the Mavs are only two games behind the Pistons with an impressive record of 45-11. Winners of six straight and losers only once in their last 20 (!) games, the Mavs have a huge showdown in San Antonio on Thursday and at home against Phoenix on Sunday. If Dallas can come away unscathed, they may reign supreme for the rest of the season.
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[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]In the aftermath of the All-Star Game and trading deadline, battling through injuries and suspensions, wins and losses, it’s Tuesday again, so we’re going to keep you in the know with an updated Dime NBA Hit List…
30. New York Knicks – The Knicks have won one game in their last 15, a two-point home win over Toronto. The one before that? A three-point home win over Orlando. Their one thing in common? Eddy Curry was the leading scorer, even in going up against two of the East’s premiere PFs in Chris Bosh and Dwight Howard. Ranking fourth in the League in terms of field-goal percentage and playing only 27 minutes a night just doesn’t add up.
29. Portland Trail Blazers – In Darius Miles’ first game back from injury two weeks ago the Blazers pulled off a victory in Charlotte but have been winless ever since. After dumping Ruben Patterson to the Nuggets and the apparent buyout of Voshon Lenard soon to come, we’d like to welcome Martell Webster to the big stage. In his first game starting, Webster dropped 24 points and grabbed eight boards. Look for more to come.
28. Orlando Magic – What happened in Orlando? After winning their 19th game on February 4th, the Magic have won just one in their last ten. The Franchise is gone, Grant Hill is back and Darko is even logging tick. Things are looking good for the future, but for the time being, the road ahead is tough.
27. Charlotte Bobcats – Although it took longer than expected, Raymond Felton has become the floor general and leader of this young Bobcat team (especially in the absence of Emeka Okafor). But rather than supplanting cagey veteran Brevin Knight, the two PGs make for a lethal backcourt combo – averaging a combined 22 points, 13 dimes, five boards and four steals per game.
26. Atlanta Hawks – Well, Al Harrington didn’t get shipped at the trading deadline which seems to have inspired the free agent to be to put on a showcase for all his potential suitors as the Hawks finish out the season. The Hawks pulled off impressive road victories over the Lakers and Pacers as they look to make a push back to relevance.
25. Seattle Supersonics - After a six-game road trip that saw Seattle only pull off a five-point victory in Atlanta, the Sonics must be ecstatic to come home for a five-game stand. While home they’ll be able to work recently acquired PG Earl Watson into the system and watch newcomer Chris Wilcox continue to flourish in his starting role. Look for good things to follow.
24. Minnesota Timberwolves – Well now we at least know Celtics GM Danny Ainge was on to something, and we’re sure his former teammate and Wolves GM Kevin McHale has let him hear it every day. Turns out, Marcus Banks can play. Oh yeah, and fellow starters Ricky Davis and Mark Blount can play too. Look for the Wolves to only get better.
23. Golden State Warriors – Congratulations, Golden State. You’re the only team to lose to the Rockets without T-Mac all year. LOL
22. Toronto Raptors – We’re not gonna lie – Toronto might know what they’re doing. With a solid core of Chris Bosh, Charlie Villanueva, Mike James and Mo Pete, throw in vet Antonio Davis and the Raptors have a decent starting five. We like the move to dump Jalen Rose’s salary in return for cap space this summer and the imminent arrival of Phoenix mastermind Bryan Colangelo can only help.
21. Chicago Bulls – We’re disappointed that the Bulls couldn’t get anything for Tim Thomas on the open market and will probably just buy out his contract, getting nothing back in return. Nonetheless, the Baby Bulls seem to be maturing and spreading the wealth with Kirk Hinrich, Ben Gordon and Chris Duhon trading places as the team’s high man each night.
20. Boston Celtics – The Celtics are back on track. Winners of three out of their last four, Paul Pierce is finally getting the support that he needs from his teammates. Rookie Ryan Gomes has been playing out of his skull posting three straight double-doubles and scoring in double figures six games in a row.
19. Milwaukee Bucks – After four straight losses, the Bucks have strung together back-to-back victories at Atlanta and Denver. The whole team is finally at full strength, most notably Mo Williams and Bobby Simmons, and the Bucks are looking to finish what they started.
18. Utah Jazz – If the Jazz are going to sneak into the playoffs, they finally have the cavalry to do so. In case you missed the bulletin, Carlos Boozer is finally back and producing. In 29 minutes off the bench Monday night, Boozer scored 11 points and grabbed 19 boards to go along with Matt Harpring’s 28 and 11 and Mehmet Okur’s 26 and 14. Also, rookie Deron Williams has finally been handed the keys and showed Coach Jerry Sloan he knows how to handle the stick, scoring 13 points and dropping 13 dimes.
17. Sacramento Kings – The Kings are 7-3 in their last 10 and it’s funny that we haven’t heard a peep out of Ron Artest since he suited up in Purple and Gold. Wanna know why? Kevin Martin, a.k.a. the NBA’s Most Improved Player frontrunner, just went for his thirteenth 20-plus point game on the season.
16. Los Angeles Lakers – Kobe’s point totals seem to accrue exponentially. 27, 36, 39 and then 40 in the Lakers’ last four. If only it was the same for their wins…
15. Houston Rockets – Although the Rockets dropped one to red-hot Phoenix last night, Houston is still 7-3 in their last 10 and playing their best basketball of the season (even managing to win their first game without T-Mac in the lineup). If T-Mac can remain healthy and Yao continues on the double-double tear he’s on, the Rockets could be a dangerous team to face in the next couple weeks.
14. Philadelphia 76ers – They gave them a fight, but the Mavs were just too much for the Sixers on Monday night, especially without Samuel Dalembert. Winners of three straight before that, Philly has finally been able to get consistent contribution out of Kyle Korver – something they’ll need with Houston, Washington and Indiana on tap.
13. Memphis Grizzlies – Can we get some consistency please? The Grizzlies have split their last 10, but pulled off a big home win on Monday night over the surging Wizards behind an inspired 39 and 10 from Pau Gasol to outdo Gilbert Arenas’ 37 and Antawn Jamison’s 35. Assuming they get by New York on Wednesday, it’s off to the road for four.
12. Los Angeles Clippers – Well, we were right. The Clippers parted ways with Chris Wilcox and Vladimir Radmanovic has been just what the Clips have needed. Although he’s not filling the void left by the injured Corey Maggette, he is starting in place of the injured Chris Kaman. Also, have you seen Elton Brand’s stat lines from the past three games: 32 and 12, 32 and 11, followed by Monday night’s 35 and 10. MVP anyone?
11. Indiana Pacers – In J.O. and J.T.’s absence, Stephen Jackson is finally getting some help from his other teammates. Anthony Johnson, Danny Granger, Freddy Jones and Peja Stojakovic have all stepped up and been the reason why the Pacers have won seven out of their last 10.
10. Cleveland Cavaliers – The Cavs have dropped four in a row, including two straight to Detroit. In both games, the Cavs were held to under 78 points, which is 20 points below their season average. With the Pistons in their division, it seems almost inevitable that the Cavs and Pistons will meet once again in the second round of the playoffs. Tough luck LeBron, there’s always next year…
9. Washington Wizards – Since the All-Star Game, Gilbert Arenas has scored 34, 26, 46 and 37 points respectively and won Eastern Conference Player of the Week honors. Can he keep it up?
8. New Jersey Nets – You know it’s trouble when Jason Kidd goes for 19 points, 17 assists and nine rebounds with only two turnovers in an overtime loss… to Atlanta. In our book, that is just plain unacceptable.
7. New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets – Winners of seven out of their last ten and two straight, the more we watch the Hornets the more we believe. They’ve moved themselves up to the sixth seed in the West and are getting it done at home and on the road. Can they give Byron Scott his Coach of the Year trophy now?
6. Denver Nuggets – After the All-Star break, the Nuggets came out hot (like they did last season) and won their first two. Although we thought the Nuggets perhaps wouldn’t make a deal, they did, and it looks like Ruben Patterson and Reggie Evans will be able to help off the bench. Also, keep your eyes out for another shooting guard (Wesley Person anyone?) to end up in Denver before week’s end.
5. Miami Heat – After a disappointing blowout loss in Dallas, the Heat (i.e. Dwyane Wade) responded with 37, eight and four in a home win over the Pistons. Since then, Miami has accrued a six-game win streak, winners of 11 out of their last 13. Although they’re not quite there yet, the Pistons must feel the heat on the back of their necks in the East…
4. Phoenix Suns – In case you haven’t noticed, Shawn Marion is killing people! In his last three games, the Matrix put up 44 and 15 in a win over Boston followed by 31 and 24 in a win over Charlotte followed by 30 and 18 in Monday’s win over the Rockets. Could Marion win the MVP? We think so. Oh yeah, and the Suns have won a League-high seven straight and ten out of their last eleven.
3. San Antonio Spurs – With the Top five teams so even, you could make a case for any at the No. 1 spot. But compared to the Suns, Heat, Pistons and Mavs, the Spurs are just a half-step behind (at the moment), recently dropping games in Philly and Cleveland. Still, since then, the Spurs have won four straight and are looking to put those losses in the past.
2. Detroit Pistons – After their impressive showing in the All-Star Game, the Pistons aren’t taking anything for granted anymore. Winners of six straight and eight out of their last 10, Detroit’s impressive defense held LeBron and the Cavs to 20 points under their season average in back-to-back wins. The way their schedule looks, we wouldn’t be surprised if they stretched their win streak to 10.
1. Dallas Mavericks – In case you hadn’t already realized, the Mavs are only two games behind the Pistons with an impressive record of 45-11. Winners of six straight and losers only once in their last 20 (!) games, the Mavs have a huge showdown in San Antonio on Thursday and at home against Phoenix on Sunday. If Dallas can come away unscathed, they may reign supreme for the rest of the season.
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